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Posts with tag haptic

Samsung dreaming of YP-P3 with haptic support?

by Darren Murph, posted May 14th 2008 at 4:23PM

Not even a month after we asked you fine readers what you'd love to change about the YP-P2, in comes early word that a tweaked successor could be on the way. Granted, most everything here is lost in translation, but we're gathering that Samsung could be readying a touchscreen YP-P3 that would look awfully similar to the SCH-W420 mobile. Good thing, too, as that particular unit has haptic support (force feedback from touch panels, in a nutshell) already loaded in. So convenient, wouldn't you agree? Keep a loose eye out for this one to surface late this year.

[Via PMPToday]

Apple looking to Immersion for haptic technology on iPhone?

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 26th 2008 at 12:13PM

Immersion, the same folks responsible for adding haptic technology (force feedback from touch panels, pretty much) in a fleet of Nokia handsets, could be looking to do the same with Cupertino's one and only. While VibeTonz isn't specifically mentioned by name, a recent report (which should certainly be filed as a rumor for the time being) is suggesting that bigwigs from both outfits are in ongoing meetings "over licensing and implementation issues of iPhone haptics." Interestingly enough, this news is flowing hot on the heels of Immersion appointing Clent Richardson as president and CEO; if that name rings a bell, he previously spent five years pretty high up the ladder at Apple. Of course, all the signs pointing to yes doesn't mean anything in and of itself, so we'll just twiddle our thumbs a bit longer and hope to have some feedback for 'em soon enough.

[Thanks, Chris]

Read - Rumors of Immersion bringing haptics to iPhone
Read - Clent Richardson becomes president / CEO of Immersion

Novint drums up "3D Touch Rights" to sign publishers for its haptic controls

by Paul Miller, posted Apr 8th 2008 at 10:22AM


It's been the story from day one: the Novint Falcon is great and all, but without games there's just no point. That's about to change, however, as Novint has committed itself to developing Falcon integration for some big-name games, including a sizable number of EA blockbusters. Novint is buying up what it calls "3D Touch Rights" to games from the publisher, a no-risk revenue stream for the them and a license for Novint to sell games at a small profit with Falcon functionality built-in. The games will sell for $30, and you can get the haptics update for an existing game for $10. Of course, the $190-ish controller puts it all in perspective, but this is certainly a promising move for PC gamers and immersion freaks alike.

3D VisWall makes scientists drool, your flat-panel weep

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 11:20AM


Rest assured, we've witnessed quite a few astounding scientific displays set deep within university research labs, but it'd be mighty hard to cover up the $350,000 monolith residing at the Tufts University School of Engineering. The VisWall, unsurprisingly a product of Visbox, combines twin backscreen projectors and sophisticated software in order to display 3D imagery for DNA junkies and budding surgeons to swoon over. Aside from giving researchers and students alike the ability to investigate chemical structures and cellular makeups more closely, the 8- x 14-foot screen also dabbles in haptics, giving remote holders the ability to "guide the manipulation of virtual scalpels or surgical tweezers onscreen." Sheesh, it's like giving kids a reason to attend class -- imagine that.

[Via CNET]

Samsung's Miniskirt Season 2: return of the taffeta tramps

by Thomas Ricker, posted Mar 17th 2008 at 4:58AM


Samsung returns with the sequel to its SCH-C220 "Miniskirt" phone. Besides sporting a handful of new seasonal colors, "smile shot" super happy face tracking tech, and models swathed in bad Jersey bridesmaid's dresses, the most notable new feature on the SCH-C225/SPH-C2205/SPH-C2255 (depending upon S.Korean carrier) is haptic feedback. God only knows how that surgically precise vibration would come in handy on a 10.9-mm slider with a tactile, physical keypad. Hmm.

Gallery: Samsung's MiniSkirt Season 2: return of taffeta tramps


[Via Akihabara News]

Mitsumi haptic input device could enable one-handed mobile operation

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 23rd 2008 at 4:44PM


If you're frustrated with how difficult it is to control your touchscreen-based mobile with just one hand, Mitsumi clearly feels your pain. At a recent presentation, the outfit highlighted a new haptic input device that would ideally be situated on the rear of a handset / PMP and enable users to activate applications without having to use another hand to do so. The device consists of "a sheet with small protrusions, a resistance sensitive touch pad and switches," and while the prototype was a tad unsightly, the firm is hoping to reduce the thickness before taking it commercial. Yeah, we're patiently waiting for mind control, but we suppose this would do in the meantime.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

Elliptic Labs shows off touchless interface for 3D navigation

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 3rd 2008 at 5:24AM


We've seen (though not felt, for obvious reasons) a few touchless interfaces before, but the latest development coming from Elliptic Labs is a real treat. Dubbed a "touchless human / machine user interface for 3D navigation," the firm has somehow figured out how to allow mere mortals to manipulate on-screen images without requiring any sort of funky gloves to be worn or a microchip to be installed in your fingertip. Sadly, little is said about the actual technology behind the magic, but don't worry, the video waiting after the jump should provide plenty of satisfaction.

[Via Technabob]

Continue reading Elliptic Labs shows off touchless interface for 3D navigation

NTT's Tangible-3D prototype gives feeling to on-screen imagery

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 21st 2007 at 9:24PM

Regardless of general consensus, it looks like 3D display technology is making a run for our wallets (and to a lesser extent, our hearts), and just days after getting wind of Philips' latest iteration, NTT is hitting back with a newfangled approach of its own. Based around an improved version of the company's original 3D display, this prototype system relies on a sophisticated array of cameras and an actuator-stuffed glove that can allow the wearer to "feel the image" that shows up on the LCD. As the object changes, the glove moves along in real-time to give the user a lifelike idea of what the on-screen matter actually feels like, but unfortunately, it doesn't allow the individual to react. Thankfully, a two-way system that will enable tactile transmissions to be channeled in both directions is in the works, but those parked in Japan can check out the current system at the Industrial Virtual Reality Expo later next week.

[Via Slashgear image courtesy of Mainichi]

Microsoft and Immersion heading to court... again

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Jun 19th 2007 at 1:43PM

Looks like Microsoft, no slouch when it comes to lawsuits, is heading back to court for another round of player-hating, he-said-she-said proceedings with Immersion (no stranger to the court system itself). The case seems a two-way deal stemming from a 2002 Immersion patent infringement suit, in which Microsoft paid $26m to settle the case and buy a piece of the business; apparently Immersion hasn't honored a clause stating that Microsoft is to receive some change in the event that Immersion and Sony settle, and the folks in Redmond want retribution: $15m minimum. Immersion, of course, thinks it's not required to pay out any such cash, leading one enraged Microsoft rep to shout into a hanging mic, "We will show Immersion the meaning of rumble!" No, not really, but we'd certainly plunk down to see Microsoft and Immersion counsel duke it out in the square circle instead of a stodgy court room.

[Via Gamasutra]

Genius Traveler 515 Laser mouse rocks touch-sensitive scroll

by Darren Murph, posted May 16th 2007 at 5:57AM

We can't say that Genius' latest laser mouse is apt to cause any cancellation emails to start flying over those recently ordered Obsidians, but the Traveler 515 Laser does a fair job in the specs department to make up for its vanilla looks. Similar to Saitek's critter, this pointing device boasts a touch-sensitive OptoWheel scroll area, right and left click buttons, Flip 3D and Smart IE hotkeys for Vista users, Turbo Scroll for blowing past those incredibly long patent filings, an adjustable 800 / 1,600 DPI laser, and compatibility with OS X and most Windows flavors. Additionally, this device is said to play nice with both righties and southpaws alike, and while looks may not be everything, we imagine that this one will end up priced a tad lower than its dashing competitor in order to compensate in the attractivity arena.

[Via EverythingUSB]

Apple's touch sensitive mouse design axes scroll ball

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 12th 2007 at 6:49PM


We're sure we've seen two intriguing Apple patents in the span of 24-hours before, but following up on Cupertino's modular media center gizmo from earlier today comes a slightly modified mouse design that, above all, still doesn't sport a tried and true right-click. All weeping aside, the newfangled design seems to center around a haptic approach, which curiously does away with the scroll ball currently used on Apple's critters and replaces it with a touch-sensitive casing. Apparently, the device would be "capable of switching between operational modes based on the way a user holds or grips the enclosure," which could simplify (or complicate, depending on dexterity levels) all that panning and resizing you currently do manually. Still, there's plenty of mice out there with oodles of macro-love just waiting to be utilized, and while the pseudo-click on the Mighty Mouse may appease some, we can't say we're blown away.

F-Origin's HaptiTouch 2.0: MyOrigo returns!

by Thomas Ricker, posted Apr 5th 2007 at 9:30AM

Step asside Immersion, you're not the only ones offering haptic technology for mobile devices. From the ashes of MyOrigo's assets comes F-Origin's HaptiTouch 2.0 force-sensing technology. Pressure sensors measure your push on the screen to cause a "pinpointed vibration" directly below your finger. In contrast, Immersion uses resistive technology which measures the changes in electrical current as your grubby finger smudges across the display. See, as good as they look, the problem with the latest round of button-less, touchscreen handsets is the lack of that good ol' fashioned haptic feedback. Something you'll surely miss while tapping away on a zero-feedback, touchscreen keyboard. Immersion's VibeTonz tech can already be found in Samsung's SCH-W559 phone loosed in China. With any luck, F-origin will be licensing their newly acquired technology to manufacturers such as Siemens who will "likely" be first to market with product before the year is up. Check the 2003 MyOrigo Mydevice with 2007 F-Origin corporate voice over (and complimentary audio cheese) after the break.

[Via Wired Gadget Lab]

Continue reading F-Origin's HaptiTouch 2.0: MyOrigo returns!

Novint Falcon crazay mouse gets a price, release date

by Paul Miller, posted Jan 9th 2007 at 8:30AM


We've been tracking this thing for a good while, but while the vaporware status of the Novint Falcon 3D haptic mouse was touch and go for a bit there, it looks like they're going to pull through with this one, with a release slotted for June 18 at a pre-order price of $189. Now what exactly that cash will be getting you, it's a bit hard to explain, but the basic gist is that the Falcon features a floating doohicky attached to a pod doohicky, and the floating part moves about in 3D space for controlling video games, 3D modeling programs and the like. The real kicker is the force feedback that's been worked into this thing, adding a pretty nifty layer of interactivity -- you know, gun recoil, rubber band snapping, the feel of textures against the skin, stuff like that. The MSRP on this unit is $239, but as of the 8th you can pre-order the Falcon for $189. You'll have until June to figure out what you'll actually do with the dang thing, though Novint will be bundling 24 touch-enabled microgames to get you started.



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